 “I was taking a shower and felt the lump,” recalls Lori Schonert. Hoping it was an inflamed gland, Lori decided to play it safe, called her doctor and was seen the next day. He ordered a mammogram. That was in April 2004.
“A few hours after the mammogram, they called me and asked that I come back for an ultrasound,” says Lori. “That’s when I knew it was serious.”
Within the span of a few days, a biopsy confirmed that it was breast cancer. The team at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Salinas Valley Memorial collaborated to create a plan of care for Lori. Atul Jani, MD performed surgery to remove the lump and Lori’s oncologist, Laura Stampleman, MD, ordered chemotherapy. To ensure that any cancerous cells were eradicated from surrounding tissue, a series of radiation treatments were performed by radiologist Esmond Chan, MD. The final treatment was January 28, 2005.
“I had great support from my husband Richard,” says Lori. Richard, her husband of 14 years, their two children, Nicole nine and Carley two years old, were good reasons for never giving up. “I’m lucky to have a sense of humor and a general positive outlook on life,” says Lori.
Lori, who works in the Medical Staff Office at Salinas Valley Memorial, also drew strength and encouragement from her friends and co-workers. “My friend Caren Croft, also an employee of the hospital, had breast cancer three years ago and knew exactly what I was going through,” says Lori. “She gave me great information on how to handle chemo. And when I lost my hair, several people offered to shave their head so I wouldn’t be bald alone.”
“When it comes to fighting cancer, you have to put things in the proper perspective,” advises Lori. “I decided that losing my hair was nothing compared to losing my life.” |
Putting things in perspective